1,300 Degrees Conferred at Spring Commencement Ceremony  

With a near-record number of graduates in attendance, on Thursday, May 18, Farmingdale State College (FSC) held its 102nd spring commencement ceremony at the Nold Hall Athletic Complex.  

Presiding over the ceremonies were Dr. John S. Nader, President; Dr. Laura Joseph, Provost; Dr. Patricia Hill Williams, College Council Chair; with Dr. Martin Lewison, Associate Professor, Business Management, as Master of Ceremonies; and Dr. Merryl Tisch, Chair of SUNY’s Board of Trustees, in attendance.  

This May, FSC proudly conferred more than 1,300 degrees, including: 

  • Bachelors:  1,130
  • Masters: 11
  • Associates: 153
  • Advanced Certificates: 16 

The Class of 2023’s success throughout the year and their time at FSC was marked with a powerful commitment to service. 

“In this class, there are literally hundreds of stories of selflessness, service, and scholarship,” said President John S. Nader, who shared multiple examples of student-driven community service including fundraising for charities, assisting youth clinics, donating school supplies to elementary schools, as well as coat drive, a book drive and a beach cleanup. This class has done more, contributed more, and served more than any other. They are exceptional by any standard.” 

Valedictorian Carol Sung of New Hyde Park credited FSC’s excellence in service as a cornerstone in her personal and professional development.  

“At Farmingdale State College, I am grateful for the support and encouragement that the community has provided as I found an environment that fueled my drive to pursue my aspirations,” she said. “Over the course of my four years, the institution continuously offered its student body, faculty, staff, and alumni a multitude of opportunities to enhance personal and professional growth, while fostering a strong sense of community.” 

The College’s commencement marked the culmination of a remarkable year that included the first class to complete the State University of New York’s applied learning requirement; achieving Carnegie Foundation Classification for Civic Engagement; launching its inaugural day of service; holding its first Lavender graduation ceremony; adding new degree programs; creating and funding four Honors Scholarship programs; and involving nearly 350 students in its prominent Esports teams and clubs—an initiative launched and funded largely by the students themselves. 

Industriousness also took center stage with more than half the class graduating without student debt, and more than 130 class members already giving back to the College Foundation, which helps support future students. President Nader noted that while nationally, about 40 percent of full-time college students work while they study. At Farmingdale that figure is 70 percent. 

“Our students achieve remarkable things while they pursue degrees, and work to support themselves or their families. Now you know why I say our students are majority extraordinary. What is even more remarkable is the sheer number of our students who excel in service or applying their field of study beyond the classroom.”  

As the ceremony concluded, President Nader offered the graduates validation in lieu of traditionally offered advice.  

“You are indeed majority extraordinary,” he said. “You have persevered during the most difficult time in the modern history of higher education. Your stories and experiences exemplify the very best that public higher education has to offer. Commencement remarks usually include some advice about how graduates can make their lives, and the world better. However, you are already making Farmingdale, and the broader society, better.”  

Enjoy photos from FSC's 2023 Spring Commencement.